The Web site for the Kansas University athletic department no longer includes a link to University Financial Services.
UFS, also known as Student Financial Services, has come under fire in recent months because of allegations that it has developed inappropriate relationships with colleges and universities.
KU Associate Athletic Director Jim Marchiony said Host Communications, a company that contracts with KU to oversee the university’s media rights, told the university it wanted to take the link off of the site.
“Host told us until this whole issue is resolved, if removing the ad on the Web site can show some desire to cooperate with the New York Attorney General, we’re glad to do it,” Marchiony said.
Through that contract, Host determines what ads are in the university’s athletic facilities and on its Web site, and also oversees other media activities. While pointing out that there is no direct relationship between KU and UFS, Marchiony emphasized that KU retains approval of all sponsorships.
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is in the midst of a nationwide investigation of the student loan industry that has already resulted in several settlements on the part of various schools, including Johns Hopkins University, Dowling College, New York University and several others. KU was not among that group, but first attracted Cuomo’s attention when he expanded the probe to include athletic departments.
KU has said that it receives no kickbacks or special arrangements from UFS, and that it has a relationship with the company much like it would have with a local grocery store.
